The Italian Farmer's Table: A Journey .....................

...Taste the "big reds" of Northern Italy - Barolo and Barbaresco, tour a
rice farm, visit a weekly market, learn to cook traditional dishes from
the true masters, the farmers themselves.  Stay on the farms and
immerse yourself in la vita italiana.  This 9 day adventure will be a
feast for all your senses  - join us!    The trip is limited to 10
travelers so that we may offer you the most authentic experience
possible - sign up early to guarantee your spot.

Day One

Depart North America

Day Two

You will be met at the airport in Milan (Malpensa).  A private
car and driver will take you to our first agriturismo near the
beautiful town of Alba in the province known as the Langhe.  Here you
will be the guests of the gracious Manzone family. Activities this
afternoon will be dependent upon arrivals but there is always time to
simply enjoy the stunning landscape on the terrace. In the early
evening gather with the group for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Day Three

After breakfast depart for a day trip to one of the culinary
centers of Italy, Alba.  Known for its wine and truffles, it is also a
charming city in its own right. Enjoy a guided visit in the morning and
then have time on your own for lunch and independent exploration. 
Return to the farm in the afternoon for a cooking class and dinner.

Day Four

Spend a leisurely day hiking the Barolo trails with Matt and
Melissa.  This is truly a unique experience, immersing oneself in the
beauty of the vineyards as you meander from town to town, stopping
along the way to refuel.  This will of course include a glass of
Barolo.  Return to the farm in the late afternoon.

Day Five

Sadly we must say goodbye to the Manzone family and continue
on to explore the other corners of Piedmont. In the morning we will
stop in the majestic city of Torino.  Enjoy a guided visit of the city
that was the first capital of unified Italy in the 19th century. 
Torino has a wonderful elegance about it and a fascinating history.
After the visit you will have free time for lunch and to explore the
center on your own.  Arrive in Monferrato in the later afternoon.  Here
we enjoy a magnificently renovated farmhouse that has been redone under
the watchful eye of the owner who is an architect.  Dinner this evening
will include a cooking demo by a very personable chef.

Day Six

Today is a leisurely day of visits to some of the local farms
and vineyards to get an inside look at the beautiful production that
comes from this area around the Po River.  Dinner "back at the farm".

Day Seven

We have the good fortune of staying near the city of Asti at
a very special time. Each year in mid-September there is a wine
celebration that lasts for two weeks, culminating in the palio or horse
race in the main square of the city.  This is a once in a lifetime
experience and we will spend the day taking in the festival atmosphere
that is the center of social life in Italy's small towns.  Return to
the farm for dinner.

Day Eight

We depart this
morning for our final stop at the beautiful farm of Gianluca and
Raffaella in the province of Novara. We will be welcomed by the lovely
family who owns the farm.  They will give us a tour of the property and
show us their cheese making technique.  Enjoy the magnificent
surroundings before gathering in the evening for dinner.

Day Nine

Spend the day at the hidden jewel of Lake Orta.  We will meet
our guide for a visit of this beautiful, lesser known lake which will
also include a trip to the island and its church and monastery.  Free
time in the afternoon to explore and have lunch.  We return to the farm
in the late afternoon - time to pack before our farewell dinner where
we will share good food, good wine and good memories of an adventure of
a lifetime in Italy.

Day Ten

As the saying goes
"All good things must come to an end" so it is time to say
Arrivederci!  But don't worry - you'll be back!  We just know it! 
Transfers will be provided to the Milan Malpensa airport.